PHOTO GALLERIES: RAJA AMPAT REEFS

The Raja Ampat Islands are an archipelago surrounding the Western tip of the big island of New Guinea. Scientists from Conservation International discovered that these reefs have the highest diversity of fish and coral species of any reefs on earth. Because of their remoteness and low human population in the area, these reefs are healthy, but they face increasing threats. Tim photographed a Conservation International research expedition for German GEO Magazine, published in two parts in January and February 2008. The story is also being published in other GEO editions across Europe.